IELTSWritingGT Task 1 — A Damaged Online Order
General Training Task 1Formal Letter20 min · 150+ words

IELTS GT Task 1: A Damaged Online Order (Formal Letter)

The Task

You ordered a product online, but when it arrived it was damaged and did not match the description. Write a letter to the online company. In your letter: give details of your order, explain what was wrong with the product, and say what you want the company to do. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

You should cover

  • Give details of your order
  • Explain what was wrong with the product
  • Say what you want the company to do
Start Writing This Letter →

Sample Band 8 Response

165 words

Written by EduForEveryone — for guidance only. Not an official examiner response.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing regarding an online order that arrived in an unacceptable condition. My order number is #58213, placed on your website on 2 June for a ceramic dinner set.

When the parcel arrived three days later, I found that two of the dinner plates were badly cracked and the colour of the set was a dull grey rather than the cream shown in the product photographs. The packaging was also inadequate, with no protective material around the items, which almost certainly caused the breakages.

This is particularly disappointing, as I had ordered the set specifically for a family celebration next week.

I would therefore like a full replacement of the damaged items in the correct colour, sent by express delivery so that it arrives in time. If a matching replacement is not available, I would prefer a full refund. I have attached photographs of the damaged goods as evidence.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully, [Your name]